Muslim Quarter (Huimin Street)

🕌 Muslim Quarter (回民街)

The heart of Xi'an's food scene and 1,300 years of living Islamic culture — a maze of streets packed with the best street food in China.

Overview

The Muslim Quarter (回民街, Huímín Jiē) is a network of streets in the heart of Xi'an's old city, centered around Beiyuanmen (北院门) and Dapiyuan (大皮院). It's home to a Hui Muslim community that has lived here since the Tang Dynasty (over 1,300 years ago). Today, it's a food paradise with hundreds of stalls and restaurants.

Essential Info

How to Get There

• Metro: Line 2 to Bell Tower (钟楼站), Exit B, walk 5 minutes north
• Walking: 2 minutes from the Bell Tower
• Didi/Taxi: Show the driver "回民街" (Huimin Jie)

The Streets

Beiyuanmen (北院门) — Main Tourist Street

The most famous and most crowded street. Lined with food stalls, souvenir shops, and restaurants.

• Pros: Lively, everything in one place
• Cons: Touristy, prices slightly higher, very crowded on weekends

Dapiyuan (大皮院) — Local Favorite

One street west of Beiyuanmen. More local, less crowded, same incredible food.

• Pros: More authentic, better prices, less hectic
• Cons: Fewer options than the main street

Xiyang Shi (西羊市) — Hidden Gem

The quietest of the three main streets. Great for exploring without crowds.

• Best for: Photography, quiet exploration, authentic atmosphere

Guangji Jiaoqu (广济街) — Night Market

Street food comes alive after 8 PM. Grilled skewers, late-night snacks.

What to Eat

Must-Try Dishes

🫓 Roujiamo (肉夹馍) — "Chinese Hamburger" Slow-cooked lamb or beef in a crispy flatbread. The Xi'an version is the original.

• Price: ¥15-25
• Best stall: Look for ones where locals are queuing

🍜 Biangbiang Noodles (biángbiáng面) Belt-wide noodles with chili oil, vinegar, and toppings. The character "biáng" is the most complex Chinese character.

• Price: ¥15-25
• The name is onomatopoeia for the sound of slapping dough

🥘 Yangrou Paomo (羊肉泡馍) — Lamb Bread Soup Xi'an's signature dish. You tear flatbread into tiny pieces, then the restaurant adds lamb broth. It's a ritual.

• Price: ¥30-50
• How to eat: Tear bread into tiny pieces (the smaller the better), add pickled garlic, chili paste

🍢 Kabob Skewers (烤肉) Lamb skewers grilled with cumin and chili. The Muslim Quarter versions are the best in China.

• Price: ¥3-5 per skewer

🫕 Hot and Sour Noodles (酸辣粉) Glass noodles in spicy vinegar broth. Cheap, filling, delicious.

• Price: ¥10-15

🥟 Dumplings (饺子) Xi'an has excellent dumplings, especially lamb dumplings from the Muslim community.

• Price: ¥15-30

🥮 Persimmon Cake (柿子饼) Fried sweet persimmon dessert — crispy outside, soft inside.

• Price: ¥5-10

Drinks

• Sour plum drink (酸梅汤) — Refreshing, sweet-sour, perfect for washing down spicy food
• Pomegranate juice (石榴汁) — Fresh-squeezed, available everywhere
• Pear soup (冰糖雪梨) — Warm, sweet, soothing

Pro Tips

1. Walk first, eat second — do a full lap of the streets before deciding what to eat. You'll see everything and make better choices.

2. Eat where locals eat — if a stall has a long line of Chinese tourists, it's good. If it's empty, skip it.

3. Dapiyuan > Beiyuanmen — the side street has better food at lower prices with fewer crowds.

4. Yangrou paomo is a sit-down meal — don't try to eat it standing. Find a restaurant with tables.

5. Bring tissues and hand sanitizer — most stalls don't provide them.

6. The Bell Tower at night — after eating, walk to the Bell Tower (2 minutes). It's beautiful when lit up.

7. Morning visits are underrated — the streets are quieter and some dishes (like yangrou paomo) are traditionally breakfast food.

FAQ

Is Xi'an Muslim Quarter free? Yes, the Muslim Quarter is a network of open streets. Entry is completely free. You only pay for food.

How long should I spend at the Muslim Quarter? 2-4 hours is ideal. This gives you time to walk all the streets, eat 4-5 different dishes, and soak in the atmosphere.

What should I eat at the Muslim Quarter? Must-tries: Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), Biangbiang noodles, Yangrou paomo (lamb bread soup), lamb skewers, and persimmon cake.

Is the Muslim Quarter in Xi'an halal? Yes, all food in the Muslim Quarter is halal (清真). The Hui Muslim community has been here for over 1,300 years.

When is the best time to visit the Muslim Quarter? Evening (6:00-10:00 PM) for the best atmosphere and food variety. Morning for fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience.

Is the Muslim Quarter too touristy? Beiyuanmen (main street) is touristy. Dapiyuan and Xiyang Shi (side streets) are more authentic. Explore all the streets, not just the main one.

Cost Summary

Last updated: 2026-06-05 · Written by Bobby, living in Chengdu since 2023

Bobby

Living in Chengdu since 2023. Writes about practical China travel from firsthand experience. About me →